An example that motivates others

Sci-Tech valedictorian Raul Centeno Pedraza was among the recipients of a $1,500 scholarship this spring from the Carl Joseph Walker-Hoover Foundation. The foundation gives money in memory of the Springfield sixth-grader who committed suicide after repeated bully. Here is the scholarship essay he wrote:

One of the ways I help combat bullying is through my involvement with a community youth club. This club allows middle and high school students to join and learn more about education and teamwork.

Essentially, it provides a haven to these students. By being in this club I am able to be a positive role model to other students. I am able to do this because I am not just another student. To them I am a confidant and an advisor – a result of my past.

In that past I decided that school was unimportant. It was so unimportant to me, I dropped out of school. However, after two years of living in the lap of idleness, I decided that it was time for a change. I realized that education was important and without it, I would go nowhere in life.

Not only did I return to school, but I also took several challenging courses and participated in many extracurricular activities to make up for lost time. I was able to go from being lethargic and aimless to being in the top of my class.

The people in the youth club see this determination as motivation for them to achieve in their own lives.

The youth club has given me the opportunity to be a role model, and it has also allowed me express my beliefs toward the injustice of bullying.

In addition to being an exemplar of good behavior and hard work, I was also able to work in small groups with all the students. During this time, I facilitated science experiments, homework sessions, and friendship building.

All of the work done within the groups allowed participants to see how friendship and helping others are top priorities, and that bullying is intolerable.

By being part of a youth club that offers a safe haven to students and an opportunity to realize that friendship and trust are two of the most important needs in life.

As an outcome of this experience, and my personal commitment to anti-bullying, I have been able to make an impact in my community when it comes to the topic bullying.